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Module 7: Cultivating Local Communities for Forest Wellbeing

Module7 Overview

Module 7 provides a comprehensive in-depth exploration of how understanding your target market and integrating guests, community engagement, government, partners, and strategic initiatives can significantly enhance the success and sustainability of ForestWell initiatives. It covers the critical importance of involving local communities in forest wellness initiatives, emphasising the economic, social, and cultural benefits derived from active participation and stewardship. The module also examines various approaches to engaging guests and communities in forest-based wellness activities, including educational programs, cultural events, and restoration projects. 

Additionally, it highlights how both the EU and European governments acknowledge the substantial health, wellbeing, and economic benefits of forest recreation and are already rolling out programs, policies and strategic investments that aim to improve public health, enable positive rural development, and capitalise on the growing trend of nature-based tourism. By integrating these elements, the module aims to provide a holistic understanding of how ForestWell initiatives can be effectively implemented to benefit both guests, communities and the environment.

7.1 Understanding the ForestWell Target Market and Community

  • ForestWell Businesses and Participants are Stewards of the Forests.
  • Identifying ForestWell Target Markets

7.2 Involving Guests in ForestWell Initiatives

  • Introduction: Involving Guests in ForestWell Initiatives
  • How Lough Mardal Eco Lodge  Involves Guests in Protecting Their Environment

7.3 Involving Communities in ForestWell Initiatives

  • Introduction: Involving Communities in ForestWell Initiatives
  • Why Community Involvement is Vital

7.4 Other Approaches to Involve Guests and The Community

  • Other Approaches to Involve Guests and The Community 

7.5 EU and Irish Government Acknowledge the Health and Wellbeing Benefits of ForestWell

  • ForestWell Positively Significant Benefits to Public Health and Wellbeing
  • The EU Forest Action Plan (2006)
  • ForestWell – Sustainable Economic, Rural Tourism Development
  • Spotlight on Ireland: ForestWell Surges Demand for Outdoor
  • Activities in Nature and Forests Grows

7.6 Case Studies & Success Stories

7.7 Additional Material

7.8 Quiz

Learning Objectives

  • Identify and recognise the characteristics of ForestWells key target markets, what their motivations are and why they demand nature based forest activities.
  • Understand how guest involvement in ForestWell initiatives contributes to broader goals of environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and the promotion of green tourism.
  • Understand why involving local communities is crucial for the success and sustainability of ForestWell initiatives, and how it enhances business effectiveness, promotes natural stewardship, and stimulates local economies especially in rural and forested areas.
  • Understand the role of local cultural knowledge and practices and how they enrich ForestWell businesses, and how involving communities helps preserve and promote cultural heritage.
  • Learn practical approaches for engaging participants, visitors and communities e.g, through educational programs, cultural events, restoration projects, and benefit-sharing mechanisms.
  • Familiarise yourself with key EU and Irish policies, such as the EU Forest Action Plan and Ireland’s National Outdoor Recreation Strategy, which recognises the role of outdoor forest recreation in improving public health and reducing healthcare costs.
Module Content
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